Refrigerator



Dec. 4, 1934. H' |=I TE|CHMANN 1,983,056

REFRIGERATOR Filed Sept. 2, 1933 2 SheetsfSheet l Dec. 4, 1934.

H. F. TEICHMANN REFRIGERATOR 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sepi. 2, 1953 JZI JMW l@ @au/AWM INVENTOR ooooooooooo OOOOOOOOOOOO Patented Dec. 4, 1934 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Claims.

. My invention relates to refrigeration, and consists in a refrigerating unit for installation in an automobile. 'Ihe refrigerating unit is energized by the heat of the exhaust gases of the car; the 5 unit is advantageously a portable unit which may readily and in a moment be installed in they car,

or, being installed, may in such manner be removed from position of service; and the unit is adapted, additionalhr, for service when removed from the car, thus providing mechanical refrigerr ation which is particularlylof value to tourists and picnickers. In further accordance with my invention, the refrigerating unit includes means for ejecting a cool stream of air, whereby in hot `weather the air within a car may be rendered more comfortable to the occupants. 4

In the accompanying drawings Fig. I is a view of a motor car, partly in side elevation and partly in vertical section, showing my refrigerating unit in position of service within the car; Fig. II isv a fragmentary view,` showing to larger scale (partly in elevation and partly in section) the means for transferring heat from the exhaust gases of the car to the refrigerant of my appa- 23 ratus; Fig. III is a fragmentary view, taken on the plane III- III of Fig. II; Figs. IV and V are views in side elevation and vertical section, respectively, of an insulated cap whose utility will presently be described; Fig. VI is a conventional,V diagrammatic illustration of the refrigerating means of my unit; Fig. VII is a view in side elevation of the unit, and Fig. VIII is a view in end elevation of the same; Fig. IX is a view in side elevation of an auxiliary heat-ing device, for service when the unit is removed from the car; Fig. X is a view to larger scale, showing the refrigerating unit partly in side elevation and partly in vertical section; and Fig. XI is a view in vertical section and to smaller scale of a removable shelf element of the unit, taken on the plane XI--XI of Fig. X.

Referring to the drawings, the portable refrigerating unit is denoted by the reference numeral 1, and in Fig. I is shown installed for service in an automobile 2. 'I'he unit comprises a relatively narrow, tall and elongate box, within which refrigerating apparatus is organized; the refrigerating apparatus is responsive to the application of heat, to cool the internal chambers of the box. The heat-operated refrigerating apparatus itself is thoroughly understood in the art, and a consideration of Fig. VI will afford a brief review o1' the general structure and operation of a well-known commercial form of such apparatus.

The'l refrlgerating apparatus includes 'a gen- (Cl. (i2- 117) erator A. 'I'he generator is in structure a vertical double-walled tube divided intermediate its 'height by a partition B; below the partition B a strong solution C of ammonia is contained, and above the partition a weaker solution D of ammonia is held. Heat is applied within the tubular generator at the point E, and ammonia gas isreleased from solution 4above the body D of weak solution, whence the released gas ows by way of tube F to a rectifier G. From'the rectifier 65 G the ammonia flows, through a condenser H, wherein it is liquefied, and flows by gravity into a U-shaped tube I. By way of a conduit J, the liquid ammonia flows through a passage k in a heat exchanger K, and is discharged into an evaporator L. The evaporator is filled with hydrogen, and so, upon entering the evaporator the liquid ammonia gasifles or evaporates, absorbing `heat and producing the desired refrigeration. The mixture of hydrogen and ammonia gases is 754 heavier than hydrogen alone, and therefore the gaseous mixture flows downward in the evaporator, moves through the passages k' of heatexchanger K and enters an absorber M. In the absox-ber M, the gaseous mixture of hydrogen and 30 ammonia meets a stream N of weak ammonia solution, flowing from the generator A. The weak solution of ammonia is cooled on its way Vfrom the generator to the. absorber, and, upon entering the absorber, it flows downward in divided stream 35 over the baliles (v)v and absorbs the ammonia from the gaseous mixture, freeing the hydrogen which is insoluble in water. The hydrogen then rises in the absorber M and returns under its own buoyancy, through the passages .Ic of the heat ex- 90 changer, to the evaporator L. The weak solution of ammonia in flowing downward in the absorber M takes up ammonia. and thus becomes relatively concentrated. The concentrated solution forms in a pool at the bottom of the absorber, and is instrumental in maintaining the supply of strong solution C in the bottom compartment of the generator A. As the heat applied to the base of the generator operates to release ammonia gas, the strong ammonia solution is lifted from the lower to the upper compartment of the generator, by means of the thermo-Siphon P. Thus, the operation of the apparatus is an automatic and continuous operation, and heat is the energy employed. v

The condenser H and absorber M are shown to be provided withpiping Q for circulation of cooling water. Heat is generated when the ammonia gas is removed from admixture with the hydrogen and taken into solution by the liquid 110 in the absorber, and the circulation of cooling water is effective in removing such heat. However, latest developments in the field have eliminated the necessity of circulating cooling water. As has been already mentioned the refrigerating apparatus employed in my unit is known apparatus, andthe above description outlines a commercial type oi such apparatus to be found in common usetoday: lianifestlyrl 'the 4description of the refrigerating apparatus isnot. intended to be exhaustive, either as to its structure or theory of operation, since these things are now at hand for the engineer.

The invention embraces the organization f apparatus of this sort in a portable unit whichv partment 4 is' double walled, and is insulated -with an interposed wall 6 of cork, rock-wool, or `othersuitable material'. .'f-llln4 the compartment 3a1l elements of'rthe'refrigerating apparatus, save. the evaporator Lfand heat exchanger K,

:lare installed; the heat exchanger K is projected through the insulated wall of ncompartment 4,

andthe heat'absorberLisfs'upported in such compartment .in the manner indicated in Fig. X.

:Ar/cordingly,- it vviil beunderstood that the heatabsorbing element of' the refrigerating appara- 'tus is located withinithe insulated .compartment V4, which is the compartment for the .the things to be kept cold.

storage of Advantageously, the walls of the compartment 3 are uninsulatedpand are provided with oriiices 7, to enhance the dissipation of heat releasedby theelements A, H, M of the refriger- `ating. apparatus housed therein. The cooled compartment 4 fof the unit-is provided with an insulated removable cover 8. Aivertical partition -9 is included within-the--compartment 4, providing a-:frelatively' small chamber 4a (within, the cooled chamber 4) 2 wherein the; temperature will be lower than elsewhere :in the-unit, and in such coolerl chamber 4a,a plurality of .Water pans 10 is'supported, say on-cleats 11, for the production of ice cubes in the usual manner now practiced in domestic refrigerators. To the right of the partition 9 substantial space is provided for the storage of bottled beverages, or other things to `be cooled, and advantageously a removable shelf structure 12 is provided withincompartment 4. The shelf structure 12`is closed at its opposite ends 12a, .12b;. it is substantially of the A same width as the interiorof compartment 4;

it may be withdrawn from thev compartment; and butter, sandwiches and other foods which may tend to toss'about inltransi't may be placed on the shelves, so that, upon returning the shelf structure to the compartment 4; the articles to be refrigerated will be held in order, even though the car in which the refrigerating unit is installed shall tumble and 'toss over rough roads.

As shown in Fig. 1I the generator A of the refrigerating apparatus rests against the floor 3a of compartment 3, and the floor is provided with a window lying in registry with the bore A' of the generator. A heater 13 is provided for installation in the exhaust pipe 14 of the motor car. The heater comprisesa body 13a, open at both ends to receive the terminals of the exhaust pipe 14; intermediate the ends of the body 13a the heater includes a tubular head 13b; the head 13b is provided with a partition 13c which terminates an interval below thetop of the header and above the horizontal passage 13d in the body 13a. Adjacent the bottom edge o! the partition 13c a flap valve 13e is swingably mounted upon a stem body 13a, and a bevel gear 13h is secured to the projecting end of the stem; a bevel pinion 131 is revolublyv mounted 'on 'a bracket 13k integrated with body '13a, and meshes with the gear 13h. By means of a flexible shaft 13m the gears 13h, 131' may be rotated to swing the flap valve 13e from a vertical position in the passage 13d to a horizontal position (cf. dotted line position 13e; Fig. II). Manifestly, the structure of the heater is such that the hot exhaust gases oi the motor car may be by-passed up one side of the partition 13e and down the other; manifestly all or any desired fraction of the exhaust gases of the car may be by-passed through-the head 13b, by adjustment of the valve 13e, and accordingly the temperature of the head 13b may be controlled while the motor car is in normal operation, i. e., running at normal speed.

It will be observed that the heater may readily be assembled as a unit in the exhaust line' 14 of the car, it merely being necessary to remove a. section of the exhaust line and to insert the heater. Means, such as set-screws 131i, may be employed to secure the assembly. I contemplate that the exhaust pipe 14, between the engine and the heater 13, may be provided with van insulating jacket 15, and thereby conserve the heat of the exhaust gases on their way to the heater. The height or axial extent of the head portion 13b of the heater is so determined that it (the head portion) shall project an interval of several inches, say six inches,.above the iioor 2a of the car. In installing the heater, a hole of suitable `size is drilled through the floor of the car, and a flanged metal gasket 16 is secured (say by wood screws) in the position illustrated in Fig. II. The head portion 13b of 'the heater projects through the gasket 16, and I provide a sleeve liner 17 of asbestos between the surface of the head portion 13b'and-the gasket 16, to the end that the heat of the head in service shall not be destructive upon the floor boards or carpet of the car. It will be clear that the assembly of the heater 13 may be a permanent assembly in a motor can-and may be incorporated either during the construction of the car, or as an accessory on cars already constructed and in service. And clearly the assembly is sturdy and durable. As shown in Fig. II, the flexible shaft 13m may be projected through the floor 2a of the car, and connected to an adjusting lmob .18, organized with the gasket 16, whereby the inclination of the valve 13e may be easily regulated from a pointwithin the car.`

The portable refrigerating unit oi.' my invention is adapted to be seatedv on the iloor o`f the car, with the projecting portion of the heater head extending through the windowed floor 3a of the unit and snugly engaging the inner wall of the generator A. Thus, the refrigerant of the apparatus is brought into thermal communication with the hot exhaust gases of the cars engine; the degree or temperature of heat may be varied by regulating the quantity of waste `gases bypassed through head 13b, the regulation being effected by the adjustment of the valve 13e, and so the intensity of refrigeration may be controlled.

'Ihe refrigerating unit is provided at opposite ends with handles 19, whereby it may be readily lifted to andfrom position of service in the car. I provide legs 20 which are pivotally secured-t the refrigerating unit. When the unit is to be installed in the motor car. these legs are folded beneath the unit in the manner indicated in full lines in Figs.II, VII and X; when the unit is reof other convenient type, may be arranged beneath the unit, and its flame caused to burn within the generator A ofthe refrigerating apparatus (cf. the dotted lines 21a in Fig. VI). Therefore, it will be understood that the tourist or motorist is provided with a mechanical refrigerator which may be operated while his automobile is in transit, and additionally a refrigerator which may be readily removed from the car and set up in a camp or cottage. 4 The universal utility of my portable unit, and the facility with which it may be adapted to several conditions of service make for advantages of notable value in the art.

When the refrigerator is removed from the car, a cap 22 (Figs. IV and V) is placed over the pro` jecting portion of the heater head 13b. 'I'he cap 22 is 'lined with aheavy body 23 of insulation, so that, if an occupant of the car inadvertently touches the heater, there is no danger of him getting burned. Furthermore, when the refrigerator is not in the car, the ap valve 13e may be adjusted in its horizontal position (l3e', Fig. II), to cut-off entirely the flow of waste gases through the head 13b. This is` an additional feature of safety. It is also characteristic of my structure that the flow of the hot waste gases is through a closed system of passagesthere is lno open connections to be made by the car operator when installing the refrigerator, and there is no element of danger that the injurious waste gases shall escape into the passenger quarters of the car. It will be manifest that in winter, when the -refrigeratoris not used, the cap 22 may be re-A moved and the device 13 may be employed asa heater for the car.

An elaboration of Ithe invention consists in means for blowing a stream of air through the refrigerating unit and into the passengers compartment of the car, whereby atmospheric conditions are rendered more comfortable for travel in hot weather.` As shown in Fig. VII, an air inlet 24 is provided in the side wall of the box 1, adjacent its bottom, and an air outlet 25 is in like manner provided adjacent the top of the box.

. The inlet and outlet may each comprise a shutter device of known structure; that is, a device having a plurality of windows 26 and a corresponding'plurality of shutters 27. The shutters 27 are secured to an adjusting knob 28, whereby they maybe turned i'nto or out of registry with the windows 26, thereby to open or close passage into the interior of the box 1. Within the compartment 4a (Fig. X) of the refrigerating unit a hori- 24 communicates with the section of compartment 4a below the partition 4b, and the outlet 25 opens into the section of such compartment above the said partition. Operation of the fan 29,

30 is instrumental in moving air upward through the passage 4c, and, ports 24. 25 being open, air

is drawn into the lower section and forced out of the upper section of compartment 4a. During such flow, the air moves past the cooling elements L, K and is chilled. In consequence a cold stream Y' of air is ejected from the outlet 25 (Fig. VII), and

whether or not this cold stream of air produces a lowering of the average temperature of the atmosphere within the car, it will serve to produce more comfortable conditions.

When the air-conditioning operation is not desired the inlet and outlet ports 24, 25 are closed.

IIt will be understood that the shutters and associated parts of these ports may be constructed of substantial bodies and insulated to minimize infiltration of heat.

When airconditioning is desired the ports 24, 25 are opened, and contact plug 25 is installed in the socket 23 (Fig. VII). The electric lines 34 are connected in obvious manner to the battery or generator of the motor car, and thus the electric fan is energized.

When the refrigerator is to be used for air conditioning, it may be advantageous to employ a circulating body of cooling water in coni junction with the elements H and M of the refrigerating apparatus. In such case I provide nipples 36 and 37 (Figs. VII. and VIII) in the wall of the chamber 3, and connect the inlet end of piping Q (Fig. VI) to one nipple (36) and theoutlet end of the piping to the other (37). As shown in Fig. I, a conduit 38 is connected to each nipple. Suitable connections may be made to the cooling jacket and pump of the automobile engine, so that the cooling water for the engine may be circulated through the conduits 38 and the piping Q of the refrigerating apparatus. Manifestly, a push-on hose-type connection may be provided on the end of each conduit 38, where' by the connection of the conduits to' 'the nipples may be quickly accomplished. It has been cornmon practice in installing certain known automobile appliances to tap into the cooling water of the engine, and further detail will not be re-v quired for those of the art to understand clearl ly how the above-mentioned conduits 38 may be installed.

I claim as my invention:

1. AY portable refrigerator having capacity for service in an automobile and additionally having capacity for a secondary condition of service, said refrigerator comprising a box including an insulated storage chamber, heat-energized refrigerating apparatus adapted to chill said chamber, said refrigerating apparatus includ ng a .generator adapted to be heated for effecting refrigerating .operation of said apparatus, means for removably establishing, when said refrigerator is installed in an automobile, thermal comf apparatusdncluding a generator, said heater elementbelng complementary to said generator in 'structure and removable therefrom, whereby, in

installing said portable unit for service, the generator and heater element are operatively ass e'mbled in. thermal communication by the bringing o f such-parts to juxtaposition.

i 3. VIn' combination with an internal combustion engineand a conduit for its waste gases, a portablennit. comprising a storage .chamber and lieat-energized refrigerating apparatus for cooling such chamber, a heater elenent permanently assembled with, said conduit, said heater element .b ejng-closedin communication withsaid conduit to insure against the unintentional escape of wastegaseaand s aid heater element including .a b ody portion extending laterally of said conduit and adapted to be heated by the waste gases flowing therethrough, said refrigerating apparatus including a generator provided with an opening to receive said body portion of the heater element, whereby, in installing said portable unit for service, the generator and the body portion offsaid heater. elementare operatively assembled in thermalncommunicatfon bythe bringing of 4such :Partsto juxtaposition, and -said generator being readily removable from said body .portion .of the heater, whereby said portable unit may .bewith'drawn-at will from position of service.

i. In a portable refrigerator :for removable ,assembly Withavclosed heater element assov o ated with the.- exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine, -the combination of a cabihet, an insulated storage chamber in said cabiinet, heat-energized refrigerating apparatus, said apparatusl comprising a generator, a condenser, Aanabsorber, and an evaporator interconnected and adapted to cool said storage chamber, said generator compr'sing a wall region adapted to receive .heat-for the energizing of said apparatus, the wall'of. said cabinet including a passage adjacentthe. heatreceiving wall of A said generator, whereby said portable refrigerator may be removablyinstalled for service by the bringing .of said passageto juxtaposition with said heater element.

5. In combination with a motor car having an internal combustion engine whose conduit for ,exhaust gases extends beneath the floor of the car, aportable. refrigerator unit comprising a vcabinet including a storage chamber, heat-energized refrigerat ng apparatus for cooling such chamber, a heater element permanently assembled -with said conduit and adapted to be heated by the exhaust gases flowing therethrough, said. heater element -including a body portion accessible from above said floor, and said refrigerating apparatus ,includinga generator accessible from wthout said cabinet, whereby in installing said unit forservice, said generator and heater element may be removably assembled for service by the bringing of such parts to juxtaposition.

6. In a transportation vehicle propelled by an internal combustion engine, the combination of a specialized heater projecting into the passenger or freight quarters ofthe vehicle above theoor thereof, said heater including a passage for the exhaust gases of said engine, a portable unit including heat-energized refrlgerating apparatus, said refrigerating apparatus including a generator, said generator being accessible externally of,-

said unit, whereby, in installing said unit for' service in said vehicle,said generator and heatsaid heater being accessible from above the floor of the passenger or freight quarters of the vehicle,

a portable unit comprising heat-energized refrig- V erating apparatus, said refrigerating apparatus including a vapor generator, said generator being accessible externally of said unit, and sai'd heater beingof such structure relatively to said generator that, in installing said unit for service insaid vehicle, said generator and heater may be removably assembled in thermal communication by organizing such parts in juxtaposition.

8. In a portable refrigerator for removable assembly with a closed heater element `associated with the exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine, the combination of a cabinet, an insulated storage chamber in said cabinet, heatenergized refrigerating apparatus, said vappara-- tus comprising a generator, a condenser, an abksorber, and an evaporator interconnected and adapted to cool said storage chamber, said generator being accessible from without said cabinet. whereby said refrigerator may be removably installed for service by bringing said generator and heater element to juxtaposition, and said cabinet including means for adapting said generator to a different source of heat, whereby said refrigerating apparatus is adapted for a plurality of conditions of service.

9. In a portable refrigerating unit for a motor car including an internal combustion engine and an exhaust passage, the combination of a cabinet including an insulated storage chamber, heat-energized refrigerating apparatus, said refrigerat ing apparatus including a generator, a condenser, an absorber, and an evaporator interconnected and adapted to cool said storage chamber, means for removably securing said generator in thermal communication with said exhaust passage, means for removing heat from said condenser and absorber, and means for blowing a stream of air 

